Here's a news article on the ongoing Congressional markups in the USA: Congress in Motion: A Flurry of Legislative Markups Shapes America's Near-Term Future May 8, 2026 Washington is deep in one of its most active legislative stretches in recent memory. Across multiple committees, lawmakers are pushing through markups — the formal process by which committees debate, amend, and advance legislation before a full floor vote — on everything from immigration funding to crypto regulation to next year's federal budget. Here's a look at what's happening and what's at stake. The $72 Billion Immigration Reconciliation Package The biggest action this week centers on a sweeping immigration enforcement spending bill moving through the Senate. Two Republican-led Senate committees released legislative text for a roughly $70 billion reconciliation package to fund immigration enforcement agencies at the Department of Homeland Security through the remainder of President Trump's term. Under the combined package, Immigration and Customs Enforcement would receive about $38.2 billion. (Roll Call) The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would add $72 billion to the deficit over the next decade — or about $94 billion with interest. (Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget) The package also includes a notable provision: the Secret Service would receive $1 billion for security upgrades related to the new White House ballroom project, covering above-ground and below-ground security features. (Roll Call) Republicans are bypassing the traditional 60-vote Senate threshold by using the budget reconciliation process. A reconciliation bill can pass in both the House and Senate with simple majorities, while a 60-vote majority is required for Senate passage of appropriations bills — meaning Republicans can pass it with their votes alone, without any Democratic support. (PwC) Democrats are sharply opposed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the measure, saying it offered "$140 billion for ICE and Border Patrol, $0 to lower Americans' costs." (Ballotpedia) FY2027 Appropriations Markups Underway Alongside the reconciliation fight, the House Appropriations Committee has a packed markup schedule through May and June, with bills covering Energy and Water Development, Interior and Environment, and Transportation and Housing set for committee votes. (House Committee on Appropriations) Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins is aiming to finish markup of all 12 spending bills for FY2027 before the end of June. (National Low Income Housing Coalition) Crypto Market Structure on the Horizon Another major legislative effort gaining momentum is the CLARITY Act, which would establish a regulatory framework for digital assets. A Coinbase executive predicted at the Consensus 2026 conference in Miami that the bill could see a Senate Banking Committee markup as early as next week, noting that the bill needs at least 60 votes to pass the Senate and therefore requires bipartisan support. (Cointelegraph) A HarrisX survey found that 70% of voters say the U.S. should already have passed clear cryptocurrency legislation, and 62% say it is important that the U.S. set global rules for digital finance. (Cointelegraph) Vehicle Safety and Space Policy Committee action isn't limited to fiscal matters. The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a markup in February on 12 bills covering autonomous vehicle standards, pedestrian safety, and auto repair rights. (House) And on a bipartisan note, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 was favorably reported out of the House Science Committee by a unanimous 37-0 vote, reaffirming U.S. leadership in space and directing NASA to establish the initial elements of a lunar outpost by December 31, 2030. (House Committee on Science Space & Tech) The Big Picture The current markup season reflects the broader tensions of a narrowly divided Congress navigating a packed agenda. Republicans are pressing ahead on immigration and border security through reconciliation, while trying to advance crypto and spending legislation before the midterm election season shifts political dynamics. With committee deadlines, floor votes, and partisan standoffs all converging, the coming weeks will be a crucial test of whether Washington can deliver on its legislative priorities — or whether gridlock once again prevails.